THE family of a teen accused of stabbing another teen in the heart has been chastised for starting a $1 million fundraising campaign.
A grand jury indicted Karmelo Anthony for murder on Tuesday, and his family requested donations hours later.
Anthony, now 18, is accused of killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas on April 2.
The teen, who claimed he was acting in self-defense, is charged with first-degree murder and has been on house arrest since being released on a reduced bond of $250,000.
During his time in jail, his family organized a fundraiser to help with his legal fees and provide security for Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the incident and reportedly received racist threats following the murder.
The family has increased their fundraising goal after raising more than $500,000.
On Tuesday, Anthony’s father issued a statement asking for additional donations after raising the target amount to $1,396,725.
“Today, we received the official news that the Collin County District Attorney has indicted our son — your nephew, your friend, your neighbor,” Drew Anthony wrote on Facebook.
“This is a moment we hoped we would never face, yet one we’ve been preparing for throughout these long and painful months.”
His words went on: “Now, as the legal process moves forward toward trial, we enter an even more intense phase — one that will demand everything from us emotionally, financially, and spiritually.”
The father stated that, in addition to legal fees, the funds raised would be used to relocate the family “after repeated threats and the public leaking of our address.”
He also stated that the money would cover living expenses, transportation costs, counseling, and increased security.
“So today, we humbly ask: Please consider making another contribution to the fund for Karmelo,” according to him.
“Please continue to share it with your network. Please stand with us — for truth, justice, and our son.”
Social media users were quick to criticize the fundraiser while demanding justice for Metcalf, whose father expressed satisfaction with the indictment and looks forward to Anthony’s trial.
“Is there any way I can take money from Karmelo Anthony’s gofundme?” a user asked on X.
“That is what needs to happen to provide for the victims’ families. That would at the very least provide some measure of justice.”
A different voice criticized: “They should confiscate the money from the family that raised half a million dollars for Karmelo and give it to the family that lost their son!”
Drew Anthony’s full statement
Karmelo Anthony’s dad, Drew Anthony, released the following statement asking for more contributions after his son was indicted on first-degree murder charges after allegedly killing Austin Metcalf at a track meet:
A Message from the Anthony Family
With gratitude, strength, and faith.
The Anthony family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has helped us through this unimaginable tragedy. Thank you for your prayers, letters, donations, and unwavering support.
Today, we learned that the Collin County District Attorney has indicted our son — your nephew, friend, and neighbor. We hoped we would never have to face this moment, but we have been preparing for it for months.
Throughout it all, you, our community, have been our strength.
Your support has reminded us that we are not alone. Your love has helped us face heartbreak, threats, and misinformation.
As the legal process progresses toward trial, we enter an even more intense phase that will require everything from us emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
Some may be wondering what this fund is really for, and we want to clarify with transparency and honesty.
These funds are being used to cover essential and urgent needs that have arisen as a result of this tragic situation, such as but not limited to:
- Safe relocation for our family after repeated threats and the public leaking of our address
- Basic living expenses, as we’ve had to uproot our lives
- Transportation to and from court proceedings
- Trauma-informed counseling for our entire family
- Enhanced security measures
- And critically, retaining qualified legal counsel and a thorough, fair investigative team
Legal expenses are a significant portion of this fund, but they are only one component. Our family, a loving, God-fearing family, is simply seeking safety, justice, and peace during these difficult times.
Despite the lies that have endangered us and others, we continue to forgive. Forgiveness does not imply silence or surrender.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to truth and justice, and we need your continued support to carry it forward.
This is not only about our son. This is about every young person’s right to a fair trial, and every family’s right to safety, dignity, and justice. This is about ensuring that the Constitution applies to all of us, not just a few.
We’re not here to argue this case on social media. We are not interested in online debates or judgments from people who do not know the entire story. Karmelo will defend himself in a court of law, not the court of public opinion.
So now, we humbly ask:
Please consider making another contribution to Karmelo’s fund.
Please continue to share it with your network.
Please support us — for truth, justice, and our son.
We sincerely thank you. Your prayers, compassion, and generosity have meant more than words can convey.
With love, faith, and determination.
The Anthony family
Anthony’s family has faced criticism for the fundraiser since it was launched in April.
There was speculation that the family would use the donated funds to buy a new home.
PREVIOUS PRESS CONFERENCE
On April 17, the family held a press conference to address the controversy surrounding the money.
Metcalf’s father briefly interrupted the press conference in a silent protest against his son’s alleged killer before being led out.
Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, then broke down crying at the podium, telling reporters that all of the money was going to security because her family had received death threats.
“Our family has been attacked,” she said through tears.
“The lies and false accusations that have been said about us, especially throughout the past week, have been overwhelming.”
STATEMENTS AFTER INDICTMENT
After Tuesday’s indictment, Anthony’s lawyer said the family was anticipating the public hearing the “full story” of the stabbing.
“Karmelo and his family are confident in the justice system and the people of Collin County to be fair and impartial,” Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, said in a video statement.
“Of course, Karmelo looks forward to his day in court.”
Metcalf’s dad also shared a brief statement following the indictment.
“I am pleased that we are moving forward,” Jeff Metcalf said.
“With the first-degree murder indictment, it now goes into the court system. I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin Metcalf.
“I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back,” he concluded.
